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Neil and Joan Curley Obituary

Dr. Neil and Joan Curley

Naples, FL - Dr. Neil Burke Curley and Joan Jacqueline (Hanlon) Curley were married for 49 years, and passed away just 3 days apart from each other.

Neil was born on October 31, 1941 in Lynn, Massachusetts, and passed away on May 21, 2023 in Naples, Florida. Joan was born on April 21, 1935 in Saugus, Massachusetts, and followed Neil into heaven 3 days later on May 24, 2023.

Together, they shared a wonderful and adventurous life that was filled with traveling the world, remarkable careers in education, and a devotion to family and friends. Neil and Joan were the life of the party; you could always find them dancing, attending social events, and having fun with friends.

As life-long educators, Neil and Joan spent nearly 40 years teaching and living all over the world, including Guam, Bermuda, Egypt, Germany, and Japan. After retiring from their educational careers, they both turned their attention to writing and mentoring. Neil published a book of inspirational prayers and continued to mentor students throughout southern Florida. Joan authored and published nine children's books and read to children throughout the country. They were actively involved in local civic and charitable organizations, and were cherished members of their community.

Neil was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Cornelius C. Curley and Helen M. (Rogers) Curley, and his sister Maureen P. Curley. He is survived by his brother Dennis Curley and wife Lynn, niece Benvenida Sherbekow and husband Michael, sister-in-law Diane Barsam, and two great-nephews.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband Neil, her parents Peter M. Hanlon and Ella Mae (Ireson) Hanlon, and her brothers Peter J. Hanlon, and James F. Hanlon. She is survived by many beloved nieces and nephews.

Dr. Neil Burke Curley and Joan Jacqueline (Hanlon) Curley will be interred in Lynn, Massachusetts in a private ceremony on August 3, 2023.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Item from Jul. 7 to Jul. 8, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
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5 Entries

Lucille S. Giovino

July 4, 2024

The sadness and loss still remain and particularly our phone conversations on religion, continuing life's journey and politics!

Connie Weldon LeMaitre

July 14, 2023

Just a year ago Joan and Neil came back to our 1957 Newton College reunion, enjoying an evening of dinner and dance and brunch and Mass the following day. How they will be missed by our classmates etc. Such a lively, world travelled couple.

Nancy Hunt

July 10, 2023

Joan was one of my bridesmaids in1958. She sat beside me in college and we always had a wonderful time together. I live in Sarasota,Florida and the Curleys have visited here and my husband and I have stayed with them several times over the years. I waswso sorry to read about them passing.

Lucille S. Giovino

July 9, 2023

I'm shocked, saddened and grieving. Joan was my dear classmate in college and Neil soon became a treasured
friend. Happy were the times spent together here in MA and in Naples, FL. They were kind, loving, full of goodwill and so imbued with the knowledge of our faith, the compassion of our fellow man and the well being and prosperity of our country. Oh, how I will miss our lengthy phone conversations. Lucille S. Giovino

John OBrien

July 8, 2023

Two of the nicest people in the world Rest in Peace my friends

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